During a visit to Croatia 20 years

Saint Peter Catholic Church Inside 2 The True Meaning of the Word Stewardship 3 Senior Cards Group Deals Fun and Fellowship to Members 4 Sunday School Ministry Provides Opportunity for Youngest Parishioners to Learn About Faith 6 Celebrate the Feast of the Visitation: May 31 7 Lectio Divina Promoting Communion With God A Letter from Our Pastor May 2014 Dear Parishioners, Are We Truly an Easter People? During a visit to Croatia 20 years ago, when he was pope, St. John Paul II (he was canonized on April 27 by Pope Francis) proclaimed, Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and Alleluia is our song. Are we really the Easter people? I think we should be. This is still the Easter season and it continues throughout the month of May until Pentecost Sunday, June 8. What does that mean, however, to be Easter people? Being an Easter person has much to do with how we view our faith and how we live it out. Stewardship people are Easter people. Jesus is so alive for us on Easter Sunday morning. He needs to be alive for us and in us every day, and certainly in these days which follow Easter so closely. At the time of His Resurrection, His followers did not whisper He is risen they shouted it and rejoiced! That is how we need to approach our faith as well. During Lent leading up to Easter, we did not use Alleluia in our liturgies. We put it away until Easter, and I missed it. But then, it made it even better when it came back over and over on Easter and throughout this Easter season. St. John Paul II was telling us all that we are not just an Easter people, but we are also an Alleluia people. We are called to exemplify Alleluia in everything we do. Think about it. Who is an Alleluia person? Certainly people who seem to just brim over with the Good News who constantly reflect the joy of being a Christian and a Catholic. It is also possible to be an Alleluia person in quiet ways, but others do need to see that God is alive in us in everything we do. Easter began with the Easter Vigil, but it did not end on Easter. That was the beginning. Were you aware that the 50 days from Easter to Pentecost are called in official Church annals the great Sunday? Another indication to us that Easter is going on right now is a change in how we identify the Sundays throughout May. For many years, the Sundays which followed Easter during the Easter season continued on back cover St. Peter Parish is a Catholic community of faith bringing the light of Christ to all by serving others

St. Peter Catholic Church The True Meaning of the Word Stewardship According to the late stewardship pioneer Msgr. Thomas McGread, when a pastor speaks about money during his homily, 75 percent of the congregation immediately stops listening. Let s face it most of us do not like to discuss money, and many of us feel that talking about money at the pulpit is bad form. However, did you know that tithing is mentioned in the Old Testament 39 times, and in the New Testament 11 times? Tithing is biblically based, and it simply means to give a portion of our gifts back to God. A further distinction is that tithing does not equal stewardship. Or, more fundamentally, giving money does not equal stewardship. Stewardship, which is also a biblical principle, really has nothing to do with money. As a matter of fact, 19 of the main parables of Christ relate directly to stewardship. And, in those parables when Christ speaks of stewardship, He never mentions raising money. Surprised? Stewardship simply means being grateful for all of God s blessings. Everything we have each breath we take on earth, the tremendous talents we possess, and our ability to earn income to sustain ourselves all stem from God. We come into the world with nothing and we leave with nothing. Recognizing this and being grateful for our bountiful blessings is the first step of stewardship. Once these realizations fall into place, we are then eager to find a way to respond to God s generosity and to embark upon a stewardship way of life. And stewardship is just that, a way of life. It is not like a TV show to which you can tune in whenever the mood strikes, and Stewardship simply means being grateful for all of God s blessings. Everything we have each breath we take on earth, the tremendous talents we possess, and our ability to earn income to sustain ourselves all stem from God. We come into the world with nothing and we leave with nothing. shut off when you are no longer interested. It is truly a way of living. Yet, the mere word stewardship has gotten a bad rap over the years and not just by us lay people. In 1992, when the United States Council of Catholic Bishops were forming the Pastoral Letter on Stewardship, they originally didn t want to title it Stewardship: A Disciple s Response. Instead, they wanted to just call it A Disciple s Response, with the reason being that they felt stewardship meant money, said Msgr. McGread before his passing in April 2013. I convinced them at the time that stewardship is a biblical term and it is our job to explain what a steward is. Before the Pastoral Letter, most of us didn t understand the spiritual dimension of stewardship. So, how do we go about sharing the spiritual dimensions of stewardship with fellow parishioners and lay leaders? First of all, Msgr. McGread cited the importance of being hospitable and discovering the needs of parishioners. He felt that when parishioners were welcomed and their needs were met, they were fulfilled and felt a sense of belonging to their parish. This, in turn, creates ownership. Once parishioners felt like they were part of the parish, they wanted to respond by volunteering, and sharing their time, talent and treasure in order to help make it the best parish community possible. And, when parishioners support their parish with all of their resources out of gratitude, the entire parish blossoms. Prayers increase, ministries grow, and yes, the offertory increases. These blessings are natural outcomes of living a stewardship way of life, and they are why it is important that we should always remember the true meaning of the word stewardship. 2

May 2014 Senior Cards Group Deals Fun and Fellowship to Members If the casual observer were to walk into the basement room in the old cafeteria of St. Peter Church on a Thursday afternoon, it might appear that a group of older folks are enjoying a lively game of cribbage. That would be true but there s much more going on than a game of cards. There s fellowship, camaraderie, and the stewardship of sharing time, knowledge, and caring attention. Alden and Joyce Shipp are the organizers of the Thursday Cards and Games for Seniors group at St. Peter, and every Thursday between 1 and 3 p.m., they and about 18 others gather for their weekly cribbage game. We have about 18 people on our roster so to speak, Alden says. Anywhere from six to 15 people come each week. There s a fairly regular group that plays about every week. We have others who come once a month, so we re very unorganized and loose-knit. The players range in age from 65 to 93. The group is open for those 55 and older. The group got its start nearly five years ago, Alden says, when a fellow parishioner wanted to organize a group for parishioners 60 and older. At the first meeting, there was discussion about what the group should do. Some talked about bus trips, going to Little Theater, and out to dinner. Someone said, Let s play cards, Alden says. I said, What kind? When someone suggested bridge, Alden says he commented that he was not fond of bridge, but he and Joyce play cribbage. He then told the gathering that he and Joyce would be happy to start a group. And within a couple of weeks, we had started a group of cribbage players, Alden says. The original group had about 18 players, and of that group, less than half had ever played it before. But he and Joyce were able to teach them how to play. The group has even led to a couple players joining St. Peter Parish from other parishes, Alden notes. There is camaraderie, he says. We have some who take the game more seriously than others. The serious players will get in four or more games in the two-hour period. Most get (From left) Jane Hessing, Marge McClain and Mary Lou Stiern enjoy their weekly game of cribbage. (From left) Marydine Frankenhoff, Lucille Churchwell and Martha Henderson engage in the game of cribbage on a cold winter afternoon. in two or three because we talk more than we play. The group has been a good stewardship activity from that aspect. While the group is gathered, each can note how others are getting along, Alden points out, and that is another aspect of stewardship. Before we begin each session, we put a number of cards in a pile and the players who draw aces play together, and so on, he says. We re not playing with the same person each week. Most of the players are women, although we do have three couples who come. During the stewardship renewal last fall, there were four new parishioners who expressed an interest in joining. We contacted them and they all joined the group, Alden says. The group is considering starting other games, such as bridge. Anyone interested in joining the Cards and Games for Seniors group may call Alden or Joyce Shipp at 217-222-7355. 3

St. Peter Catholic Church Sunday School Ministry P Youngest Parishioners Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them; Here at St. Peter s, a special ministry is dedicated to letting the little children of our parish come to Jesus in their own way each Sunday. The Sunday School Ministry offers a loving environment for children from 12 months to 5 years old during the 9:30 a.m. Mass each weekend. Carrie Lavery has been involved with the ministry since it began almost 10 years ago and has served as coordinator for the last several years. This ministry benefits the children of this parish as they are taught age-appropriate Biblical lessons and activities, Carrie says. They are introduced to God s Word and our faith in ways they can understand. They get to know other children in the parish and see their parents as well as other adults leading a stewardship life through the giving of their time. Equally as important, it allows the parents of the children an opportunity to worship at Mass with undivided attention, she continues. Sunday School is open yearround, closing only on holiday weekends. Each week, between five and 20 children participate. Of course, dedicated volunteers are necessary to keep this lively group of little parishioners safe and engaged. We do ask the parents to volunteer if they are able, Carrie says. If they are not able to, the children are certainly still welcome. If we get enough volunteers, usually each person is needed only four or five Sundays per year. We continue to have many volunteers who do not have any children in the program and we are so grateful for their support. In addition, we have had students looking for service hours volunteer throughout the year. Carrie has seen the fruits of Sunday School participation in the life of her own family. All three of my children have been a part of this ministry, and it is so wonderful to see them along with others who have participated with them continue to grow in their faith, she says. They see members of our parish selflessly giving of their time for others, and have had the experience of hearing other adults besides their parents teaching them about their faith and living a Christian life. 4

rovides Opportunity for to Learn About Faith for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Mt. 19:14 In summing up the foundation of this ministry, Carrie points to Jesus words to Peter: Do you love me? Then feed my sheep. This ministry is one way we can do just that, she says. Building that foundation of faith in our young children is so important, so they can grow in their faith and continue to walk the narrow path ahead of them! Sunday School is always in need of generous volunteers to continue the work of this ministry. If you would like to get involved, please contact Carrie Lavery by email at clavery0710@gmail.com or by phone at 217-228-0426. This ministry benefits the children of this parish as they are taught age-appropriate Biblical lessons and activities. They are introduced to God s Word and our faith in ways they can understand. They get to know other children in the parish and see their parents as well as other adults leading a stewardship life through the giving of their time. Carrie Lavern 5

St. Peter Catholic Church St. Peter Community Attends Parish Mission With a Mission This April, our St. Peter community gathered for our parish mission, with presentations given by teacher, spiritual director and radio personality Fr. Albert Haase, OFM. Speaking on the subject of Signed and Sealed With the Cross, Fr. Albert gave presentations that focused on the identity of our God proclaimed in the ancient gestures of being signed with a cross, as well as the challenges and responsibilities we accept when we seal our lives with the sign of our salvation. Celebrate the Feast of the Visitation: May 31 6 Imagine being 12 years old again. For most of us, that brings back memories of playing in the park, riding our bikes, watching TV, playing baseball, and so forth. Now, imagine that at the young age of 12, you find out that you are expecting a child and, even more daunting, that this child is the Lord. As unimaginable as that situation is for all of us, it is the reality that 12-yearold Mary knew. What a weight to bear! Yet, it is clear that God knows what He is doing, because Mary s reaction to this reality was much different than most of ours would be. Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord, she responded to the angel. Be it done unto me according to your word (Lk. 1:38). Then, she set out to the town of Judah to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, whom she just learned was also expecting a child. Instead of keeping to herself and processing the fact that she was pregnant with her Lord and Savior, Mary immediately set out to bring Christ to others. She was indeed the first steward of the Church offering her whole life to the Lord as His handmaid, and revealing Christ to others through her service. As soon as Mary entered the house and greeted Elizabeth, John the Baptist leaped in Elizabeth s womb, rejoicing at the presence of the Lord within Mary, and Elizabeth cried out, Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? (Lk. 1:42-43). Mary radiated with the presence of Christ. Elizabeth had not been told that Mary was pregnant with the Savior, and yet, no sooner did Mary enter her home, Elizabeth knew. No doubt, Mary is the steward of all stewards. So selflessly had she given herself to the Lord that she became His mother, and, in that way, her very being radiates Christ. It is for that reason that we venerate the Blessed Mother. Everything about who she is as a person, so closely united is she to the Lord and His will, brings us to her Son.

May 2014 Lectio Divina Promoting Communion With God By Scott Fitzgerald For Catholics, the Sunday Mass is the main and sometimes only way that people pray. However, outside the Mass, there are many forms of prayer one can practice as a special devotion to God. These devotions build personal sanctity, and help us to better focus on God in our daily lives. The praying of the Rosary is one such practice. In this article, I wish to focus on another prayer form, more ancient than the Rosary, that of Holy Reading, or in Latin, Lectio Divina. Lectio Divina is Latin for divine reading, spiritual reading, or holy reading, and represents a method of prayer and Scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God and to provide special spiritual insights. It is a way of praying with Scripture and other spiritual works that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray from God s Word. Although this prayer form was practiced as early as the third century, the systematization of spiritual reading into four steps dates back to the 12th century. Around 1150, Guigo II, a Carthusian monk, wrote a book entitled The Monk s Ladder (Scala Claustralium) wherein he set out the theory of the four rungs reading, meditation, prayer and contemplation. In September 2005, Pope Benedict XVI stated: I would like in particular to recall and recommend the ancient tradition of Lectio Divina: the diligent reading of Sacred Scripture accompanied by prayer brings about that intimate dialogue in which the person reading hears God who is speaking, and in praying, responds to him with trusting openness of heart (cf. Dei Verbum, n. 25). If it is effectively promoted, this practice will bring to the Church I am convinced of it a new spiritual springtime. Selecting a time for Lectio Divina is important. Typical methods are to pray for one hour in the morning, or to divide it into two half-hour periods, one in the morning and one in the evening. The key is to pre-select the time that will be devoted to the prayer, and to keep it. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective. There are four phases of the prayer, which do not necessarily progress in an ordered fashion. One may move between different phases of the prayer very freely as the Spirit guides. These stages of Lectio Divina are not fixed rules of procedure, but simply guidelines as to how the prayer normally develops. Its natural movement is towards greater simplicity, with less and less talking and more listening. Gradually, the words of Scripture and the other holy writings begin to dissolve and God is revealed before the eyes of our heart. Here are the stages: Lectio Read the passage slowly until a particular passage strikes you as, in that moment, insightful or significant. Re-read it several times. Meditatio Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one s own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular importance. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one s own life. Oratio Respond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God. Contemplatio Listen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one s own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak. The practice of Lectio Divina as a way of praying the Scriptures has been a fruitful source of growing in relationship with Christ for over 17 centuries, and in our own day is being rediscovered by many individuals and groups. The Word of God is alive and active and will transform each of us if we open ourselves to receive what God wants to give us. As Pope Francis recently tweeted, We need to rediscover a contemplative spirit, so that the love of God may warm our hearts. 7

St. Peter Catholic Church 2600 Maine Street Quincy, Illinois 62301 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 105, Quincy, IL 62301 Mass & Reconciliation Schedule Sunday Masses Saturday: 5 p.m., Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Weekday Masses Mon-Sat: 8:00 a.m., except for Wednesdays during the school year: 8:30 a.m. Reconciliation Saturday: 7:30-7:50 a.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m. or by appointment Are We Truly an Easter People? continued from front cover were called the Sunday after Easter. When the Church adopted the new liturgical calendar, that was changed to Sunday of Easter. Thus, we are not winding down from Easter we are in the midst of it. We became Easter people at our Baptisms. We should be Easter people every day and every week and during every season. Being an Easter person is acknowledging our call to discipleship and stewardship. We should begin and end everything with Alleluia. Alleluia (Hallelujah) means quite simply Praise to God. It is not just something we sing, chant, or say. It is something we live. By living our lives in praise of God (stewardship is, after all, a way of life) we can be and are an Easter people. Rev. Msgr. Leo J. Enlow Pastor We should be Easter people every day and every week and during every season. Being an Easter person is acknowledging our call to discipleship and stewardship. We should begin and end everything with Alleluia. Alleluia (Hallelujah) means quite simply Praise to God. It is not just something we sing, chant, or say. It is something we live.